Science History Chapter 9: The Making of the National Movement (1870s - 1947) Class 8 Notes

The Emergence of Nationalism & Early Associations

By the late 19th century, British policies had created widespread discontent among Indians. The realization that India's resources were being drained for British interests led to the birth of political consciousness. Key events that fueled this discontent included:

• The Arms Act (1878): Disallowed Indians from possessing arms.
• The Vernacular Press Act (1878): Allowed the government to confiscate assets of newspapers publishing 'seditious' content against British rule.
• The Ilbert Bill Controversy (1883): Britishers protested against a bill that allowed Indian judges to try British subjects, forcing the government to withdraw it. This highlighted the racial bias of the colonial regime.

To raise their voice, early associations were formed, such as the Poona Sarvajanik Sabha, Indian Association, and Bombay Presidency Association. Finally, in December 1885, 72 delegates from all over India met in Bombay to establish the Indian National Congress (INC) under the guidance of retired British official A.O. Hume. Early leaders included Dadabhai Naoroji, Pherozeshah Mehta, and Badruddin Tyabji.

Moderates vs. Radicals (Extremists)

Timeline of Major Movements (1905 - 1922)

1. Partition of Bengal (1905) — Viceroy Curzon partitioned Bengal on administrative grounds, but the real motive was to split Bengali influence and divide Hindus and Muslims. This sparked the mass Swadeshi and Boycott Movements.
2. Split and Reunion of Congress (1907 - 1915) — Congress split at the Surat session (1907) due to ideological differences between Moderates and Radicals. They reunited in December 1915, signing the Lucknow Pact with the Muslim League in 1916.
3. Arrival of Mahatma Gandhi (1915) — Gandhi returned from South Africa where he had successfully led non-violent struggles. He spent his initial years in India traveling, leading localized struggles in Champaran (1917), Kheda (1918), and Ahmedabad (1918).
4. Rowlatt Act and Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (1919) — The Rowlatt Act authorized the arrest of political activists without trial. Gandhi called for a Rowlatt Satyagraha. On April 13, 1919, General Dyer ordered fire on a peaceful crowd at Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar, killing hundreds.
5. Non-Cooperation and Khilafat Movement (1920 - 1922) — To protest against the Punjab wrongs (Jallianwala Bagh) and the Khilafat injustice, Gandhi joined hands with the Ali brothers to launch the Non-Cooperation Movement. Students left schools, lawyers boycotted courts, and foreign goods were burned.

Essential Historical Terms & Concepts

Sovereign

The capacity to act independently without outside interference.

Satyagraha

A method of non-violent resistance initiated by Mahatma Gandhi, based on truth and soul force.

Swadeshi

Literally 'of one's own country'; a movement advocating the use of domestically produced goods over imported ones.

Boycott

Refusal to buy, use, or participate in something as a way of protesting.

Provincial Autonomy

The capacity of provinces to make independent decisions while remaining under a central authority, introduced by the Government of India Act, 1935.

Sarvajanik

Literally 'of or for all the people' (Sarva = all + janik = of the people).

Case Studies: Crucial Satyagrahas and Protests

• {"title":"The Champaran Satyagraha (1917)","description":"Gandhi's first major civil disobedience movement in India. He fought for the peasants of Champaran, Bihar, who were forced by British planters to cultivate indigo instead of food crops under highly exploitative terms."}
• {"title":"The Salt March / Dandi March (1930)","description":"Gandhi launched the Civil Disobedience Movement by marching 240 miles from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi to break the salt law, which gave the government a monopoly on salt. Salt was selected because it was an essential commodity used by both rich and poor."}
• {"title":"The Quit India Movement (1942)","description":"Launched during World War II, Gandhi demanded an immediate British exit from India. He gave the masses the mantra: 'Do or Die' (Karo ya Maro). Despite massive arrests, ordinary peasants and youth joined the movement in millions."}

Must Remember: Key Points & Facts

• The Indian National Congress was founded in Bombay in December 1885 with 72 delegates.
• The Vernacular Press Act (1878) targeted regional language newspapers criticizing the British government.
• The partition of Bengal in 1905 by Lord Curzon led to the historic Swadeshi Movement.
• Mahatma Gandhi returned to India from South Africa in 1915.
• The brutal Jallianwala Bagh massacre occurred on April 13, 1919, in Amritsar under General Dyer's orders.
• The Non-Cooperation Movement was abruptly called off by Gandhi in February 1922 following the Chauri Chaura incident, where a police station was set on fire.
• The Simon Commission (1927) was boycotted by Indian leaders because it did not include a single Indian member.
• In 1929, the Lahore Session of the Congress under Jawaharlal Nehru passed the resolution for 'Purna Swaraj' (Complete Independence).
• The Provincial Elections of 1937 were held under the Government of India Act (1935), which Congress won in 7 out of 11 provinces.

Exam Tip: Score Full Marks on Indian National Movement Questions

1. Master the Chronology: Create a neat timeline from 1870 to 1947 in your notebook. Questions on arranging events (like Rowlatt Act, Dandi March, Non-Cooperation, Quit India) in chronological order are extremely common.

2. Differentiate Moderates & Radicals Clearly: Use a comparative table (like Section 2 above) to highlight key differences in ideology and actions. Teachers look for exact words like 'petitions', 'boycott', and specific leadership names.

3. Quote Slogans: Enhance your long answers by quoting famous slogans like Tilak's 'Swaraj is my birthright...' or Gandhi's 'Do or Die' to demonstrate deep knowledge.

4. Explain the 'Why' behind movements: Do not just write what happened. Explain the causes (e.g., why Gandhi chose Salt for the Satyagraha, or why the Simon Commission was boycotted).

Quick Revision Check

• Why did the British partition Bengal in 1905? The British claimed the partition was for administrative convenience. However, the real motive was to curb the political influence of Bengali nationalists and divide Hindus and Muslims.
• What was the significance of the Lucknow Pact of 1916? The Lucknow Pact was a historic agreement signed between the Indian National Congress and the All India Muslim League to work together for political reforms in the country.
• Why did Mahatma Gandhi call off the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1922? Gandhi called off the movement because of the violent Chauri Chaura incident in February 1922, where a crowd of peasants set fire to a police station, killing 22 policemen. Gandhi strictly believed in non-violence (Ahimsa).
• Which resolution was passed at the Lahore session of Congress in 1929? The resolution for 'Purna Swaraj' or Complete Independence was passed at the Lahore session of Congress under the presidency of Jawaharlal Nehru.

Frequently Asked Questions